Sources
Columbia is the principal source of fine emeralds and some deposits have been producing for more than 1,000 years. Brazil and Zambia are also important. Others include Afghanistan, Madagascar, Pakistan, Russia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
The Emerald mine in Upper Egypt, rediscovered a hundred years ago near the Red Sea, was one of the earliest Emerald occurrences in the human history
North Carolina is also a minor source
Points of Interest
Said to be the gem of Spring
In China, Thursday was the day for wearing green and emeralds for good luck. However, various countries in the East and West varied in opinion on which day the emerald would bring good luck.
The ancient Egyptians believed the emerald stood for fertility and rebirth.
According to one old legend, if you hold an emerald under your tongue, you can see the future.
Some say wearing an emerald brings riches and power, strengthens memory and intelligence and reveals whether a lover’s words are true.
In ancient times, Emeralds were used as amulets to ward off epilepsy in children and thought to cure diseases of the eye.
They were also to give eloquence in speech and make people more intelligent and honest. It is believed that emeralds contain the energy that is necessary to bring creative form to your work.
Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, prized emeralds above all other gems.
